Henry Shipp

Henry L. Shipp, 89, of Cape Girardeau died Sunday, May 3, 2015, at the Missouri Veterans Home.

He was born March 23, 1926, in Belgrade, Missouri, to John Henry and Bessie Henderson Shipp. Henry graduated from Belgrade High School on May 19, 1943. He entered the United States Navy on March 16, 1944. He served as machinist's mate in World War II, stationed on the island of Okinawa. He was honorably discharged on June 11, 1946.

Henry and Norma Lou McLain Shipp were married Dec. 27, 1977. They were true soul mates, love at first sight. Henry was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, where he served as usher and member of the SEMO Fair Stand Committee.

Henry worked for R.B. Potashnick as an equipment superintendent, retiring in 1993. He worked on various job sites across the United States.

He was a lifetime member of V.F.W. Post 3838 and Eagles Aerie 3775. He belonged to Harold O. Graul Masonic Lodge, having received his 50-year pin in 2012. He was a former member of the Moolah Temple in St. Louis, Scottish Rite and Cape Shrine Club, serving many years as an executive board member as well as serving in many other leadership roles for the organization.

He is survived by his wife, Norma Lou Shipp of Cape Girardeau; one brother, Charles (Sarah) Shipp, and one sister-in-law, Lucille Shipp, both of O'Fallon, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Jesse, Russell, William and Lawrence; and two sisters, Eunice Duty and Dorothy Baker.

Henry will always be known for his beautiful blue eyes and sweet smile. He never met a stranger and was loved by all who knew him.

Henry was kind and compassionate and would do anything he could to help others. He will be truly missed by all.

Pallbearers will be Fred, James, John and Jesse McLain, Don Conrad and John Richard McLain.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jack and Thom Shipp, Don and Eddie Schreiner, Ron Clark and Bill Forck.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home, with a Masonic service beginning at 7 p.m.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home, with the Rev. Jerry Statler officiating. Burial will be in Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery with full military honors by the Missouri Honor Team.

Memorial contributions may be given to Grace United Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau, the Missouri Veterans Home or Southeast Hospice.

Thanks to the Veterans Home for the kindness and compassion given to Henry during his final months.

Online condolences may be made at fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.